How does the SCOTUS decision effect the additional filing dates?

[efhmc]

They are suppose to reopen on some unknown date and close 2/1.

[Gothmog]

1. Status Conference in Feb. 1

There is a status conference scheduled on February 1. https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0BxeOfQQnUr_gMjJjYTM3NGMtN2RmMS00OTQzLWJjNWMtYjlhZDQzNTkxYjRh&hl=en_US The final maps will have to be ready by February 1 if we want to keep the April 3 primary date. Closing arguments in the DC Circuit trial are scheduled for Feb. 3.

There is almost no way to keep the April 3 primary date without a waiver of the MOVE Act (military voting).

[efhmc]

2. So when will be the new filing dates be?

[sonias]

3. Election schedule, interim map update

Texas Redistricting blog 1/23/12
Election schedule, interim map update

In an order issued this afternoon, the San Antonio court cancelled the scheduled February 1 status conference and instead asked the parties to appear for a status conference this Friday, January 27, at 1 p.m.

However, the court told the parties that if they wish to maintain a unified April 3 primary date that they would need to agree among themselves on maps by February 6.

If the parties are unable to agree upon maps, they are to submit a list of unobjected to districts by February 6 for the court’s consideration.

[sonias]

4. San Antonio court considers split primary

Postcards From the Lege blog 1/23/12

San Antonio court considers split primary

A federal court in San Antonio said today that it is “giving serious consideration” to calling for a split primary.

One way around it would be for the state, represented by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, and plaintiffs’ groups suing the state to agree upon interim redistricting maps by Feb. 6.

(snip)
But it seems unlikely that the parties would agree on district boundaries.

[sonias]

5. Split Texas Primary Looking Likely

Burnt Orange Report 1/23/12
Split Texas Primary Looking Likely

Split Texas Primary Looking Likely


In an order issued this afternoon, the San Antonio court asked the parties to appear for a status conference this Friday, January 27, at 1 p.m.

However, the court told the parties that if they wish to maintain a unified April 3 primary date that they would need to agree among themselves on interim maps by February 6. (Yes, there probably is some parallel universe out there where this will happen- and Greg Abbott has a beard - but my irking suspicion is that it's not this one.)

If the parties are unable to agree upon maps, they are to submit a list of unobjected to districts by February 6 for the court's consideration.

The court also said that it was giving 'serious consideration' to a split primary and asked the State of Texas to be prepared on Friday to say whether it would reimburse counties and political parties for the added expense. That added costs is expected to run somewhere in the neighborhood of at least $13 million.

Another great summary by Michael Li.

[Gothmog]

6. We will know more after Friday's status conference

If anyone tells you that they know what is going to happen, they must have a really good crystal ball. On Friday, the San Antonio court will hold a status conference and have to decide if they are going to redraw the maps without a final order from the DC court or will wait for the DC Court ruling and hold split primaries [link:http://txredistricting.org/post/16506797386/lay-of-the-land-on-the-election-schedule|http://txredistricting.org/post/16506797386/lay-of-the-land-on-the-election-schedule

That leaves the San Antonio court with two main options.

On the one hand, it could wait for the D.C. court’s ruling, which some of the lawyers are saying they expect by February 15.

However, that would mean splitting the Texas primary. And the major drawback to that is the added cost of a second primary, estimated by some to be in neighborhood of $13 million. And, of course, there’s voter confusion and changed turnout dynamics.

The second option would be for the San Antonio court to draw new interim maps. But to do so, the court may want more briefing and evidence about section 5 issues as well as about the Supreme Court’s opinion. That may present hurdles to getting maps done in time.

Friday’s status conference in San Antonio should make it more clear where the court wants to go.

[efhmc]

7. Thanks.

[Gothmog]

8. Status Hearing ruling

The San Antonio Court ruled that unless the parties agree to boundaries/new maps by Feb. 5, the April 3 primary will have to be moved. The Feb. 1 filing deadline and the Feb. 3 ballot drawing dates are no longer in effect

[sonias]

9. It keeps going and going

At some point the parties are going to have to make a compromise and I think the Democrats have the better hand.

The repukes are petty in this regard and they could keep "tom delaying" this but it's going to come back and bite them in the ass. They are the party that's going to get saddled with this mess. A long drawn out primary that's going to give the tea party candidates running against their candidates a good chance to knock their chosen people off.

Keep it up repukes, keep it up!